The pharmaceutical sector in Malta: A hub of innovation and sustainability

The pharmaceutical sector in Malta has assumed a crucial role in the country’s economy. In recent decades, Malta has become a strategic hub for the pharmaceutical industries due to its geographical location, skilled labor and favorable government policies. In this article we will explore the history, ecosystem structure, research and development centers, regulations and investment opportunities that make Malta an attractive destination for pharmaceutical companies and all stakeholders in this area.

History and development of the pharmaceutical sector in Malta

The Maltese pharmaceutical industry has a long history, beginning with the early stages of development in the 20th century. In the beginning, the industry consisted mainly of small local businesses. However, with Malta’s accession to the European Union in 2004, the sector has seen a considerable boost. European regulations have improved production standards and opened up new export opportunities. In recent years, Malta has attracted many foreign investments, including government incentives and improved infrastructure.

Structure of the pharmaceutical ecosystem

The pharmaceutical ecosystem in Malta is composed of a combination of large multinational and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Major pharmaceutical companies in Malta include Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Actavis (now part of Teva), and Siegfried Malta Ltd. These companies benefit from a highly skilled workforce, often trained at local universities such as the University of Malta, which offers specific courses in the field of pharmaceutical sciences.

SMEs play a key role in the ecosystem, often collaborating with multinationals for research and development of new drugs. In addition, Malta has developed a favourable environment for pharmaceutical start-ups, thanks to government policies aimed at supporting innovation and growth in the sector.

Research and development centres

Malta is home to numerous research and development (R&D) centres that play a crucial role in pharmaceutical innovation. Major research centers include the Malta Life Sciences Park and the Centre for Molecular Medicine and Biobanking at the University of Malta. These centers collaborate closely with international institutions and pharmaceutical companies to develop new medicines and medical technologies.

Malta Life Sciences Park, in particular, offers state-of-the-art facilities for biotechnology and pharmaceutical research for the pharmaceutical sector in Malta. Collaborations with international universities and research institutes have led to important innovations and discoveries in the field of genomics, biomedicine and advanced pharmaceutical technologies.

Norms and regulations

The Maltese pharmaceutical sector is regulated by a series of regulations that guarantee high standards of quality and safety. The Malta Medicines Authority, is responsible for regulating and supervising the sector. This authority ensures that pharmaceutical products comply with local and international regulations, facilitating access to global markets.

Malta adheres to European Union regulations, which include strict quality controls and approval processes for new medicines. This alignment with international standards makes Malta an attractive destination for pharmaceutical companies looking to expand their presence in Europe.

Investment opportunities

The Maltese government offers numerous incentives to attract investment in the pharmaceutical sector. These include tax breaks, research and development grants, and support for obtaining the necessary permits. In addition, Malta offers a stable political environment and a streamlined bureaucracy, which facilitate the start-up and management of business activities.

Numerous investment projects are already bearing fruit, with success stories testifying to the potential of the Maltese pharmaceutical industry. For example, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries’ investment in Malta has led to the creation of hundreds of jobs and the installation of advanced manufacturing technologies.

Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of a dynamic and expanding ecosystem. Contact us today to find out how you can benefit from the available incentives and extraordinary investment opportunities in the pharmaceutical industry in malta.